Ripley man hit by train, suffers broken leg

RIPLEY – A 23-year-old man survived being hit by a train, suffering just a broken leg Tuesday night, Chautauqua County Sheriff’s officials said.

Investigators said Timothy R. Luke Jr. of Ripley was on the north side of the tracks and was walking southeast when he tried to cross the tracks just after 9 p.m. At the same time, trains were approaching on both the CSX and Norfolk-Southern train tracks from the west.

A witness told sheriff’s deputies that it appeared Luke didn’t notice the Norfolk-Southern train. When he stepped off the tracks, he was struck in the leg by the train, sending him flying into the air. The witness also told officials the crossing gates were operational at the time of the incident.

Authorities said Luke landed next to the tracks.

Luke was treated at the scene for a broken leg by Ripley firefighters and transported to Hamot Medical Center in Erie, Pa.